Second Surgery Summary

     My ileostomy reversal surgery started at 7:30 AM on Monday.  I was in recovery by 9:30 and in my room by 10:30.  I was on the computer posting the update just a few minutes later.  This second surgery was a piece of cake compared to the first step done in January. 

     From what I was told before this surgery, the length of the hospital stay depends largely on how long it takes for the new plumbing to start working.  I had heard that it could take a day or two, or possibly much longer.  I was "in business" by 2:00 AM Tuesday morning.  By Tuesday afternoon I was using the toilet regularly every few hours.  This was great for two reasons.  First, it meant my diet could be upgraded from clear liquids and second, it meant my hospital stay would probably be short.

     When my bandage was changed for the first time,  the tape that was used on the first dressing that was put on in the OR tore the skin on my abdomen.  It was some type of heavy-duty foam tape.  The spots from the tape were more painful than the actual incision from the surgery.  The surgeon left a small opening with a wick in it to help it drain.  The wick was removed before I left the hospital.  The opening will gradually close.  In the meantime, I just keep a large band-aid over it.

     The only problem I had while in the hospital was that my arm started to swell on Wednesday.  The IV line had to be taken out and put on my other arm.  Jennifer, my nurse, was able to get the new line in without any problems.  The only inconvenience was that I had to take a break from Wii.  

     I was released on Thursday afternoon.  It's good to be home!!! 

Second Surgery

Had my second surgery at 7:30 this morning.  It lasted 2 hours and everything went great!!! Just had my liquid lunch of broth, can't wait for solid foods.  

Just 4 more days until my last surgery!!

I know it has been a long time since I last updated my blog, sorry. I have no excuse other than I have been fishing way too much to take the time to sit down and post to my blog.  As far as my health goes I am doing awesome.  I've easily been able to put the weight back on that I lost around the time of my first surgery.  I eat just about everything I can get my hands on.  

I did have one set back that delayed my surgery about a month.  Close to three months after my first surgery I had an abscess form near my pouch that had to be cut and drained.  That was an uncomfortable two weeks.  My surgeon stitched a tube into the abscess which allowed it to drain and heal up.  The tube had to stay in for 2 weeks, not fun.  We decided to wait another month before going in for my last surgery just to make sure that it didn't come back and that no other problems would arise.  

Overall I am feeling great!  I eat anything I want, I can go and do anything that I want, both things that I couldn't do before the surgery.  I go in Monday morning for the final surgery and will probably be in the hospital the rest of the week.  This surgery is much shorter and less complicated than the first.  Basically all the surgeon will do is remove the ostomy bag and reconnect my small intestine inside my abdomen.  I can't wait to be done with the bag!